Saturday, September 6, 2008

Convicted

Post deletedThis post was deleted in Queenstown Prison, Singapore, where I was serving sentence, on November 13, 2008, one day after my court hearing. The police brought a laptop computer to a table outside my cell A422, Cell Block A, Queenstown Prison, at about 11 am in the morning. There was a Chinese policewoman in plain clothes, probably a computer expert with them. I was ordered to remove this post by the prison warden, Assistant Superintendant of Prisons, G Savier, a Tamil, to comply with my undertaking to the court. I am now defying that order as I had earlier indicated. I am re-posting it now. I am now in contempt of the court order of Judge Leslie Chew, Court 15, Subordinate Court, Singapore. December 04, 2008 Fremont, California USA

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Yesterday, the 5th of September 2008, Subordinate Court No. 6, 4.30 pm Singapore. I was convicted of disorderly behavior and one count of hurling abuses at police officers. I have already narrated the incident in my earlier blog.

I was fined $2,000.00 and if I failed to pay, to serve 2 weeks jail for the hurling abuses at police officers charge. For the disorderly charge, $1,000.00 and if I failed to pay, 1 week in jail. In total $3,000.00. I have filed an appeal, which means that I don’t have to pay just yet. Mr. Chia Ti Lik will be my lawyer in the appeal.

This case, which I shall call the disorderly case, took 18 days of trial in court. I defended myself. After all I am a lawyer. So if I have been fined $3,000.00, you may say that I got my money's worth. I have made the court and the Singapore Attorney General to work very hard for 18 days of court time. In return the fine I have to pay them is only $3,000.00. If you look at from a financial standpoint, you could say that I have ripped them off. What, for 18 days of court time, they get only $3,000.00!

But on a serious note let me summarize what happened. The prosecution case had so many holes; you could have called it a sieve, and a broken one at that. And what was worse, except for 5 police officers, there was not a single independent witness, despite the fact that there was reported to be more than 25 independent onlookers as stated by the police spokesman himself in the Sunday Times of July 6, 2008!

On the morning of Sept 5, 2008 at 10 am, the prosecutor Mr. Koy Su Hua rose to address the court. His arguments were that I had hurled racial abuses at Malay policemen, which in his view should not be tolerated in a multi racial Singapore. Second that I had misconduct myself in the case by asking questions, which the judge had disallowed. Third that I had insisted that the Tamil Police Investigator give his full name instead of being allowed to use his nickname, which was S Vicki. Fourth, a similar accusation against Mr. Koy and the judge James Leong. That I had used the trial for political ends. That I had cast aspersions on the integrity of the judiciary including the judge Mr. Leong. That I had shown no remorse. And therefore, because of these things, I should be sent to prison because a fine was not enough.

I pointed out to the court that I deny ever hurling any abuses at anyone. And that each time someone used a racial abuse is used; if the offender is sent to prison, there wouldn’t be sufficient prison space to house all the offenders!

That I deny ever having behaved disorderly, as I had no reason to be. I was not drunk, as shown by the blood alcohol report, and neither was I mad. That I never misbehaved in court in any way, which was nothing more than a figment of imagination, Mr. Koy's that is. As for demanding full names, it was my understanding that in any country in the world including Singapore, people have to give their true names. If a man is John Smith, he cannot say that he is Archibald Adams! And that applies to this Tamil Investigator from Central Police Station who happens to be Vickneswaran s/o Sockalingam (s/o means son of) whose true name I only discovered by asking him a direct question during cross examination. The surprising thing about this name business is that this man, Mr. Koy, as well as the judge himself had flatly refused to give their full true names at all. Mr. Koy wanted to be known only as Peter Koy and the Judge wanted only to be known as James Koy. In the end we discovered that he was in fact Peter Koy Su Hua and the Judge was James Leong with 2 other Chinese names.

I pointed out that demanding true names was not being impudent or insulting at all. Although I cannot really say why this police officer from Central Police Station Vickneswaran s/o Sockalingam, Peter Koy and Judge James Leong were so determined to hide their full true names, I can make an intelligent guess. As they are aware that I write this blog, and that it is well read, and as there is a possibility that I may even write a book on this whole unhappy episode, they rather remain unknown to avoid embarrassment. They probably don’t want the world to know what they have to do for a living.

I had also pointed out that I had no respect for the Singapore judiciary which has been seen to be used as a political tool to silence dissent. I pointed out that it was not just I saying this but the respected International Bar Association in their recent 72-page report says just as much. As for remorse, I said I have none. As I have not committed any crime, how can someone expect me to have remorse? I told the judge that if it makes him happy, I could say I am sorry, but truly I am not; since it is impossible for someone to have remorse for a crime he did not commit. Saying sorry will therefore not do any good, neither for me nor for the judge. Just because the judge James Leong says I am guilty, does not make me so.

Mr. Koy, poor man was trying very hard to justify his claims. For instance he relied on a case PP vs. Daniel Lo Kiang Heong, 2007 SGDC 47, the facts being the defendant having gone to Devils Bar in Tanglin Road, got thoroughly drunk, shouted "baka" and "bakero" which meant “idiot” and “stupid bastard” in Japanese, of all languages, at police officers and when told to go home by them, showed his middle finger at them, and when arrested by a woman police officer, had bit her left breast for which she received medical treatment at Alexandra Hospital! This case was far more serious from anything that I was accused of. For one, I did not bite anyone, let alone a woman in her breast! Furthermore, even though the defendant in that case had acted in a very violent manner, he was asked to merely go home, when I was given no such opportunity, given the fact that I was Gopalan Nair.

Mr. Koy went on to refer to 2 more cases, which again had no relevance to mine at all, they being cases involving criminal breach of trust and credit card fraud. Mr. Koy was clearly clutching at straws to show that I should be severely punished.

I managed to refute these desperate challenges by Mr. Koy to paint me in bad light, but it did no good. I have no doubt in my mind, knowing how the legal system in Singapore works that the sentence imposed on me by the judge was already predetermined well before I walked into court. You see, it was not a criminal trial at all, but a political exercise from the start. The court was yet again being used by the Lee Kuan Yew dictatorship just as they have done for the entire history of Singapore since 1959, for a political purpose. It was to punish an openly known critic of the Singapore government so as to send a message to every other Singaporean that criticizing the government means trouble. And therefore they should not do it.

As for Mr. James Leong, I have this to say. I have begun to know him pretty well since it took 18 days of trial. He is a good man at heart; there is no doubt about it. If he had his way, there is no doubt he would have acquitted me immediately. But alas he is weak. He cuts a pathetic figure. A man, because of his circumstances, having to do things that he does not really want to do. He knows that his employment as a judge in the Singapore courts depends on the patronage of Lee Kuan Yew and his friends. He also knows that Lee demands his judges to punish political opponents of the government. And therefore to keep his job as a judge, he has no choice but to find me guilty. The sentence imposed upon me, and the timing of the dates of the sentencing were, in all probability, all decided for him by the Minister for Law in consultation with Lee Kuan Yew and his friends.

But I have to say this of Judge Leong. He was polite and treated me with respect throughout the trial. He was both courteous and decorous. I only wish one day, this man will have the courage of his conviction either to tell this government in no uncertain terms that he is not a politician, and if they wish dirty work to be done, they should find someone else. And if the government refuses, he should just walk out like a self-respecting man, with his head high on his shoulders and with his pride intact. Alas, that may be too much to ask in the fear ridden island of Singapore.

Hi. I've been reading your blog for quite some time, and to be honest, I've taken everything with a pinch of skepticism. I believe you will not blame me for that. Your argument seems valid (regarding your mistreatment in court), but whether it is sound, isn't something I can independently determine. But one thing you've said so far remains true.

There is fear in most of us. We declare ourselves anonymous (in the same way I have).

It is brave, what you've done, to be so open with your dissent. But is it really the best way?

Your blog has caused me to think much about Singapore's political scene. There was only one conclusion I came to: If there is to be change, there will be chaos. Fighting for change seems good. But the thing is, are we ready for it?

PS: This is not meant to be political. I'd debated long with myself if I should even post here. As I'd admitted, I am, to degrees, fearful.

This case will only work with the frightened submissive Singapore voters because many locals have no idea how freedom and human rights work.

You are now a step closer to returning to your own country.

And the results of this case may set the precedant for your final case.

This is a lose-lose war for both you and Singapore.

You lost your freedom to move around and was detained in Singapore for far longer than what you wanted. But, at least, you have a chance to show off your legal skills and create a deeper understanding of Singapore (which will put you in good strive for any up and coming book)

Singapore got to lose more. In the eyes of its citizens and ex-citizens, people are realising what happen even if they do not express them. As for LKY, this "great statesman" is no different from the other "great liberator" Robert Mugebe.

$3,000 for 18 days in a District Ct? Can't even pay the judge's salary which is abt $20k pm.And what abt the DPP and his coterie of police officers? Court clerks and PUB bill? My estimate is at least $50,000.So, in effect, Gopal, u got a $50k show for just $3k!

"And if the government refuses, he should just walk out like a self-respecting man, with his head high on his shoulders and with his pride intact. Alas, that may be too much to ask in the fear ridden island of Singapore."

Yes this is what Stinkaporeans should so and kick out the Lee Junta /PAP out!

"But alas he is weak. He cuts a pathetic figure. A man, because of his circumstances, having to do things that he does not really want to do. He knows that his employment as a judge in the Singapore courts depends on the patronage of Lee Kuan Yew and his friends. He also knows that Lee demands his judges to punish political opponents of the government. And therefore to keep his job as a judge, he has no choice but to find me guilty"

Mr Nair you hit the hammer right smack on the nail! Absolutely right! Well said !

All over the world, dictators will definitely persecute dissents. Why? Because they are afraid. Afraid of what? Of losing their power and worldly gains.

We are the 'freedom fighters' and we will support the freedom lovers wherever they are in this world irrespective of race, religion, culture, etc. True 'freedom fighters' are not tied to worldly gains and so they have nothing to lose and are not afraid of anything.

Yes, the government may be corrupted. But you cannot deny that without such a government system in Singapore, Singapore would not have progressed to where it is today. In a set of rules and regulations, there are always people who benefit and people who lose out. I'm sorry to hear that your blogposts seems to say that you always seemed to be experiencing the latter.

Maybe it's time to start thinking, why is it always you? Why not some random people on the street, or even so - The judge James Leong. Why you?

I tell you why. Because you hold on strongly to your rights, to your believes. Because you refused to let go and have put your focused on the wrong things in life. You revolved your life around politics and when it seems as though the system outsmart you, you are deemed determined to oppose it and prove it wrong. But ask yourself, what's the point? So what if you managed to make the world know of what you believed that the Lee Family are doing are wrong? Nobody is going to appreciate you for it, or maybe if it makes you happier, maybe ten or twenty. But the majority of the people does not care, not because they are apathetic, but because there are more important things in life that are much more worth pursuing for.

Situations can continue to remain and not change, but it's your heart and attitude that can change to make things better. If you want miracles to happen (such as maybe for the downfall of Lee), you can pray for that to God. But the point is, there is no point of doing so.

Character is what is most important to survive in this world. Not what you believe, are your rights, and people should know. Learn to let go of your pride, and the world will be a much better place to live in.

Maybe what you need, is really God. Only in God, do you find the fulfillment in life that you longed for.

Can you post the transcript of the court hearing. This will, like the Chee case let people be their own judge of how the proceeding went and also let people in the legal profession world-wide make a judgement on the legal system here.

Singapore progress to what it is today? Please lah, give me back my fishing village. I'd rather have my good ole kampong than this suffocating hell of a red dot where law and justice is a mockery and making $$$ and building reserves is be all and end all!

If one were not to hold on strongly to his/her rights and beliefs, then what is one to hold on to?

Not to mean any disrespect, but your strong faith only goes to demonstrate my point. If you can believe in your God with all your life, then why is Mr Nair not to hold onto his beliefs?

Dear Mr Nair,

I applaud your bravery, and I am deeply respectful. For even though I share many of your thoughts, I will admit it, I am afraid of acting upon them. Not afraid of what might happen to me, but afraid of what might happen to the people around me who I care for most. Even in this comment I stay anonymous.

However, it is my sincere hope that one day I will no longer have to remain anonymous. You, sir, may have a great part to play in that.

So, do something! Why just complain and complain? Emigration can be a tool too - just like a worker on strike. PAP cannot keep importing foreigners without coming to the bargain table, can it? Erm, maybe it can! Anyay, If you want to leave Singapore , come here to emigrate. If you want to stay and fight, come here.

You were probably born in the wrong country and it is good that you took yourself out of it.

You come across as so whiny in your blog. And yes, you can complain all you want in America. You can have that 'freedom'.

It is obvious that you have a personal vendetta against the Singapore government. That is why in all honesty, I don't respect what you write and I think most Singaporeans will take what you write with a huge tablespoon of salt. Because you don't have the greater good at heart. You believe in a concept of freedom that is self-serving. You portray yourself as some 'hero' to 'free' Singaporeans from some concept of 'dictatorship'.

I am proud of what Singapore is and what Singapore has become. Without Lee Kuan Yew's transformation of Singapore, you, yes you, Gopalan Nair and the rest of Singapore would most likely still be stuck in some 'longkang' as a 3rd world country. And I am glad that Singapore does not have to call you Singaporean anymore, because you obviously don't have Singapore's best interests at heart.

Take your misplaced pride and go ahead and write your book.

Good luck. Empty vessels make the most noise. I dare you to print this in your blog comments, together with all the other 'praises' that you get.

My PRC friend , who worked America and Singapore, noted that you said all PRCs are spies and agents of communism. He dares you to come to him with proof. What proof do you have that PRCs are arrested for spying every day (this is your own words) in America?

Indians in cities like Manchester are birmingham can be spies for theri government too.

Dear Mr Nair, I felt led to dedicate a song to you, lyrics as follows:

They came from the hills And they came from the valleys and the plains They struggled in the cold In the heat and the snow and in the rain Came to hear him play Play their minds away

We're all following a strange melody We're all summoned by a tune We're following the piper And we dance beneath the moon We're following the piper And we dance beneath the moon for him And we dance beneath the moon Sub Luna Saltamus

They came from the south From the west and the north and from the east They waited for the man Like a parish is waiting for the priest Longed to hear him play Play their minds away

We're all following a strange melody We're all summoned by a tune We're following the piper And we dance beneath the moon We're following the piper And we dance beneath the moon for him And we dance beneath the moon Sub Luna Saltamus

He came in a dream He seduced everybody in the land The fire in his eyes And the fear was a weapon in his hand So they let him play Play their minds away

We're all following a strange melody We're all summoned by a tune We're following the piper And we dance beneath the moon We're following the piper And we dance beneath the moon for him And we dance beneath the moon

NB: You can listen to it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BMaBehDZ8Y

I'm aware that the Lee vs Chee transcipt is availbel on the SDP site. I wondered if you could post your case transcript so that we can all can judge for ourselves on how the prosecution witness performed

Please just shut the hell up, your own bitterness is what this is all about. This is not a cause that you are fighting for! you berate the singaporeans and at the same time say that you are fighting for us ?

look at chee soon juan, the guy may be nuts but he is fighting the battle from Within, not from outside. Fight the battle here with us singaporeans . we fight to live, we fight to earn enough, we fight, becase we are Singaporeans and that we believe in our home. So why are you fighting from far away? and please remove that personal introduction you have put in...giving CPF as your reasons for leaving, it is pathetic.

I have in Singapore for more than 30 yrs, I have travelled to US and currently reside there. I must say that I don't really see any difference unless one belongs to an extreme persuasion like yourself

Corruption in Singapore is at a bare minimum and the courts are quite impartial. This is recognised by most international bodies except those NGOs with a liberal agenda. It should however also be noted that those organisations have also condamned the US too.

As for bravery, we have someone called Osama Bin Ladin who dares to slaughter thousands of Americans and still holds out against the most formiable fighting force this world has ever known.

We should learn how to appreciate and be thankful with what we are blessed with in Singapore.

Why complain about the government system we have.

If we compare ourselves with our neighboring ASEAN countries, we are so much better off.

The recent cases in Malaysia and Thailand is a classic example and comparison. There are so many racial and civil unrest each time an election is round the corner.

Why complain about price hikes in daily essentials when the whole world is facing the same issue. Hey, at least we are not hit by the devastating hurricane as in Texas. Whereby people have become homeless and lost their loved-ones.

Have we grown to be too comfortable in our small little red-dot comfort zone?

If a new government system steps in, can we be confident that this new system is able to improve and maintain the blessings we currently have?

You Sir have the respect of all reasonable people in this world who believe in something more than trumped up "nationalism" which grants you "freedom of speech" as long as you're towing the party line (PAP)

Freedom of speech is exactly that and no truly democratic government will disenfranchise you from that inalienable right.

Singapore is not a democratic nation, it is a dictatorship built on the backs of cheap labour. Singaporeans work hard? Don't make me laugh, it's your foreign workers who you treat as second class "citizens" that built your nation.

However, I won't hold that against all of you since many support a change such as transparency and credibility in your government and judiciary as well as rights for ALL citizens not just the self-righteous nationalists.

Furthermore it isn't surprising to me that a few who have commented have done so in a blatantly self-absorbed tone since you have been conditioned through careful indoctrination to value "the greater good" which euphemisms aside, translates to MOB RULES. "Don't like it, get out of our country" is that it?

If your country is going to change it needs a shift in focus away from some delusional "national pride" towards a genuine interest in rights for all citizens and equality under the law. At the moment your politicians hold all the trump cards. Rights don't come easy, someone has to fight for them and respect to Gopalan Nair for doing this even so those ungrateful individuals who criticise them can be treated fairly in society.

You Sir have the respect of all reasonable people in this world who believe in something more than trumped up "nationalism" which grants you "freedom of speech" as long as you're towing the party line (PAP)

Freedom of speech is exactly that and no truly democratic government will disenfranchise you from that inalienable right.

Singapore is not a democratic nation, it is a dictatorship built on the backs of cheap labour. Singaporeans work hard? Don't make me laugh, it's your foreign workers who you treat as second class "citizens" that built your nation.

However, I won't hold that against all of you since many support a change such as transparency and credibility in your government and judiciary as well as rights for ALL citizens not just the self-righteous nationalists.

Furthermore it isn't surprising to me that a few who have commented have done so in a blatantly self-absorbed tone since you have been conditioned through careful indoctrination to value "the greater good" which euphemisms aside, translates to MOB RULES. "Don't like it, get out of our country" is that it?

If your country is going to change it needs a shift in focus away from some delusional "national pride" towards a genuine interest in rights for all citizens and equality under the law. At the moment your politicians hold all the trump cards. Rights don't come easy, someone has to fight for them and respect to Gopalan Nair for doing this even so those ungrateful individuals who criticise them can be treated fairly in society.

What do you think of sacrificing for people who have no desire at the very least to help themselves?I am disgusted to see people paying lip service to people who do shitty work for them and the simple fact is they can do something by helping themselves.

AS for DR chee, maybe he has his own conviction but seriously think about this.....maybe his wife and children are very supportive of him....but why has he sacrifice their self interest of being a normal dad that can provide something more to them and yet he choose to sacrifice for majority of the singaporeans who just don't bother to help themselves....Personally i feel this is very foolish of him if he really wants to liberate singaporeans from the oppression they are living in and indirectly he sacrfices the interest of his own family.Why bother to help people who just simply don't want to help themselves?So i am more inclined to think that he has his own personal motives :Either to gain power or simply because there is no turning back.I also feel that because of the past conflicts with MR Lee,in one way or another he is driven by his own revenge and not for the greater good.Hi Mr Nair, i would like to understand your position(so i can analyze whether your future actions validate your stand), are you fighting for your own pride or fighting for singaporeans? or is there is something more complicated than this?

WE can't escape from the fundamental rules of the society.(or shall i say humans have not evolve enough to push for different forms of societal intergration?)But it is always the environment that shapes evolution.Opposing self-interests would always exist...that is why the rich and the poor would always be in an unstable form of relationship.Therefore(not mentioning any names), there will be people exploiting this for their own personal gain.

"The court should have fined you $180,000. Ten thousand for each day of their time wasted on you!

But even at $3000 I doubt you have the money topay up. And now you are appealing and I am damn sure you will lose, so you probably end up paying more.

Enjoy your jail term!"

Must be Singapore Chinese?!

Anyway...you are such a bad man! You should be hanging out down in Geylang with all the other trash that the Singapore Government seems to ignore.....oh wait! they are CHINESE gangster wanna bees! No, Really.....Rock on Brother! F#@K the Lee's and there retarded politics! When you get back to the U.S. of F*$kin A, tell it like it is!

The comments from the nay sayer's only rationalize my conclusion/question? "how can an Island so small, with so many schools, have so many morons?". Think outside the box! The textbook answer and brainwashing will get you nowhere in this BIG world!

I don't really understand what's with the talk about Lee Regime and sorts. People are constantly trying to change the main government, saying that they are corrupt, unfair, scheming etc. For example, the Taiwanese people demonstrated again when their new President is not even a year in office, saying that he is not bringing in his promises. Another one would be Thailand. They are always trying to bring down the ex-Prime Minister Mr Samak and his Cabinet, linking them to the corrupted Thaksin. So what are we trying to achieve? Chaos or peace? Even if one day you or some opposition party were to have the majority of the votes and bring down the main party, does that mean that you will succeed in maintaining the prosperity and success that Singapore has enjoyed? Or can you even vouch or predict that your fellow ministers are not corrupted in some way such that they would not bring shame to the country? What can you give the people when you are just trying to sneer at the leaders, ridicule them, bring them down etc? You are not showing your capability as a leader who can lead the people. In any sense, from what I see, it is all just a vendetta and personal hatred. I think there should be some mentality changes in you because just by using your flowery language in ridiculing people doesn't help you achieve the freedom people want. Your determination is needed but your way of achieving your goal is not. Anyway, the current leaders who are in power may not be always around. Everyone is mortal. Let's just see whether the world would change for the better like what you intended to or whether the past is something to be cherished about. Nobody knows the future not even you or me. If the opposition says they can ensure this and that, then I think it's all talk. It is similar for the current government. But as far as I know, Singapore is not doomed or going downhill like Japan, or poor like the Africans or having diseases and beggars on every street that you can see. At least I know, Singapore is still going up or maintaining. They have at least proven the minimum of promises, didn't they. If you can, show the evidence, not using your mouth to show it. Action speaks louder than words and when I mean by action, it means doing something for the people not for yourself.

In jail you get free food from us our taxpayers money. So shut up you so called American. Michael Fay got the support of President Clinton unlike you. and he had to endure caning. So consider yourself damn lucky.

Hey man, I'm a student and I totally and fully support the fact that you stood for your beliefs. Character makes a person, and you have what matters the most: Confidence and a sense of Upright and Justice.

I have reading your blog with a sense of open mindedness. Here in school, we are now thought "critical thinking" where we are thought to question everything AND anything, which includes the Government, the teachers and your opinoin.

I must conclude with you that the Singapore Government IS corrupted in that it bends the law to its benefit but it is NOT corrupted where it comes to monetary matters, so we must be thankful for that.

However, we must also take note that without this political system that we have, Singapore would be nothing compared to what it is now. And thought some of you might be willing to trade what you have now for a fishing village, many others will not. Face it, if Lee Kuan Yew dies, and what you say comes true, life for us in SIngapore will be chaotic and disastrous. Lee Kuan Yew has been working his butt off for us and I believe that we should thank him for that.

I still applaude you for your bravery in this blog and all. Take care and God Bless!

You must continue to soldier on your beliefs against cruel imperialism. No family or dynasty should run a country like those ugly rulers. Their whole family is so ugly from head to toe. For the general others with no beliefs of their own apart from making money and minding their own business are souless and frumpy toads.

Being that the SERVER that your blogs are hosted on is in the United States, the Singapore court was WRONG in convicting you. Since Blogspot is in the United States, it is ONLY subject to the laws of the UNITED STATES. Since the content originates on United States servers, it is ONLY subject to American laws, and Singapore was WRONG to prosecute you on that.

Becuase the server is in the United States, and not Singapore, that makes the content NOT SUBJECT to ANY Singapore laws.

I am a Canadian resident and citizen, an immigrant, born and raised in Singapore, studying law in Canada. Like a few others I am keeping track of your case but have remained skeptical. Singapore is not what I remembered it to be. Rest assured that the world is watching.

it is really amazing that a large portion of your "supporters" have chosen to do so anonymously.

People who have and are still working for change, have done so face to face. look at JB jeyaratnam, now this is a true gentleman. I had the pleasure to shake his hand a few years ago and the look in his eyes told me that here stands a man, tall and strong, unwavering in the storm. never lied never twisted things.

you on the other hand are a circus freak show. just like the other bullshit artists in the political arena. your supporters here, will abandon you in a heart beat if the were to be asked to stand beside you. There are other people who, though disagree with you and your intentions, will stand next to you if , IF only you be true to your words. Alas dear Sir, you know what you said, i see lies oozing out of your public statements. I see the usual lies from lawyers, twisting things to milk the maximum juice out of them. When will you admit that this is a personal vendetta? When will you tell the truth? i will stand next to you if only you will find the strength to be HONEST. And who am i ? I am a Singaporean Sir!, If i choose not to Burn Flags, and do street protests does it make me apathetic ? i fight everyday, from HERE, i fight through the system. The resistance i get , unfortunately is not from the Govt, but from the people. As per ALL HUMAN BEINGS, we too like to "COVER OUR BACKSIDE's" ...this is the problem,just like the "anonymous" fools here, so until you change, until they change, dont even look at trying to change the system.....my two cents

Its no surprise that the Singapore Government has maintained such good control over its mindless sheep. Pity that you had to be the sheep to be slaughtered for sacrifice in the early days.

All I can say is that Man can do what they want but ultimately when they die someday they have to meet their maker and account for all their doings( rightfully wrong or wrongly right).

Gopalan, it is within your legal rights to protest and even to assert a change in the government of Singapore. It is your right. It is our right. I'm thinking of leaving Singapore as soon as I am capable enough to. Home is where the heart is, where my family is, where me and my family is safe to preach and practice our values, ideas and actions.

I've never been too interested in politics before in the past. But when I came to Australia, I saw with my own eyes how a truly free country should be.

I believe no ruling party should be able hold on to power for such a long time if it's a true democracy. Even John Howard who has served for 11 years and had brought great progress to the nation has been voted off. The votes were merely few percentages close. How often do you see something like that in Singapore?

Dear Mr Nair,I am also a Singaporean living overseas but I miss the simple life during my childhood days in Singapore when the PAP and Mr Lee Kuan Yew were already leading Singapore to what it is today; high quality life for Singaporeans and sharing the prosperity of the economy with cheques for each Singaporean into their CPF, even those who have been overseas for years. My only discontentment with Singapore was the discrimination with regards to job for minorities by the majority of Chinese there and I even wrote a letter to the one of the MPs about this with my name and address. I was not persecuted for that but instead received a letter stating that there is now a govt agency that checks into and takes action against such discrimination.With regards to the corrupt judges and politics, as you mentioned about the Muslim and lying, and answering to God, I believe is the same with all religion, including mine.I think you and those who oppose the Singapore govt and Mr Lee, should consider yourselves lucky you are not born in countries like India that has govt and police that encourage, plan, and support killing those who oppose them (even innocent children) and destroying their places of worship and I was a witness to the police killing an innocent victim but could do nothing out of fear for the safety of my uncle's family who neighbor was the victim:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipy00vF0hj4&feature=related

This just reminds me of a movie that i watch with my son the other day on TV.."Its a bugs life"..About how an ant who stood up against the grasshopper..which eventually wokeup the whole colony n realise that they are more in numbers n that enough is enough..they wont work n find food for the bullies..

Well done nair..u had the guts to standup while the rest of r still bunch of ants who r still afraid to wake up n smell the coffee..I hope my son n his generation wont fail like i did..

The Liberal International (LI) has submitted a written statement to the United Nations’ Human Rights Council citing human rights violations in several countries including Singapore and Burma, according to a report on the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) website

Looks like international criticism on PAP have began to take effect .The latest news was that Singapore Government appointed Philip Jeyaretnam ( son of late opposition leader JB Jeyaretnam)as a member of the Public Service Commission (PSC).

They are trying to show to the whole world '' Look ,your criticism on PAP Government for using high hand method ,casting doubt on the judiciary system with regard to opposition members and their family is baseless .We are now appointing the son of the late opposition leader(which we make bankrupt for several time ) as a member of the Public Service Commission (PSC). ''

Will PAP succeed in their attempt(appointing son of late opposition leader JB Jeyaretnam as a member of the Public Service Commission (PSC). )using this as a solution to stop international criticism ,remain to be seen .

Followers

About Me

Determined to find the Truth.
Born Singapore, educated Winstedt School 2 (next to Monks Hill in Newton, Singapore) Raffles Institution, National Service, some travel in Europe, then law studies England, return to Singapore, practiced for 10 years, active Workers Party member, stood elections 1988 and 1991 in Singapore, was harassed and persecuted by Lee Kuan Yew for my political beliefs, left for USA, obtained asylum and admitted California State Bar, practice law ever since in Fremont California near San Francisco. Relinquished Singapore citizenship 2005 because I was not prepared to permit Lee Kuan Yew to unjustly retain my CPF funds if I remained Singapore Citizen. On principle, the only correct thing for me to do was to give it up, for my CPF funds. I am an American Citizen as of 2004.